Hit hard by the global economic crisis, the Gulf city of Dubai decided Friday not to bid for the 2020 Olympics and will focus instead on a possible candidacy for the 2024 Games. A feasibility study found 70 percent of the infrastructure demands were already in place but that a “a bid would be better timed for 2024,” the National Olympic Committee of the United Arab Emirates said. Dubai has been among the leaders among Gulf cities which have used sports to raise its profile and attract tourists. It first hinted in 2009 that it might bid for the 2020 Games but the economic crisis hit the city hard and forced it to roll back its ambitions. There also have been concerns about the heat, which routinely exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and likely would impact many of the outdoor events including the marathon, triathlon and walk event. Madrid, Rome and Tokyo have formally announced bids for 2020. Istanbul is also expected to enter the race.
